One of the things that I love about Paris is that, no matter how well I know it, I continually come across new treasures. This summer, one of my new places is le Jardin des Rosiers- Joseph-Mignaret in the Marais. Just a few steps from my favorite falafel shop, L’As du fallafel on rue des Rosiers is a discreet entrance to an oddly shaped garden that runs behind a cluster of buildings. Opened in 2014, the garden was named for Joseph Migneret, the principal of the school next door who saved many Jewish children during the occupation of Paris.

Migneret was named as “Juste parmi les nations” (sjoost par-mee lay nah-see-ohn), or “righteous among the nations,” an honor for those who saved others during the Holocaust. The garden is a pleasant place, made of a series of “rooms.” One has espaliered fruits trees, one has a vegetable potager, and one has children’s play equipment. There are some venerable trees, including a huge fig and a chestnut. You can also access it through l’Hôtel de Coulanges, 35-37 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, which is the location of the Maison de l’Europe de Paris. It’s a great secret garden in which to enjoy a terrific falafel. Spare a moment to remember brave Joseph Migneret.